WhiteHat NG is Nigeria's leading CERT-style Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC). Founded in 2019, it serves as a people's Computer Emergency Response Team, providing cybersecurity advisories, vulnerability disclosure services, and threat intelligence to protect Nigerian cyberspace. WhiteHat NG publishes security advisories about vulnerabilities and threats affecting Nigerian organizations and citizens.

How do I report a security vulnerability to WhiteHat NG?

You can report security vulnerabilities through WhiteHat NG's Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP) at whitehat.ng/vdp/report. The platform accepts reports about vulnerabilities in Nigerian digital infrastructure, government systems, and private sector applications. All reports are handled confidentially by trained security professionals who coordinate responsible disclosure with affected organizations.

What types of security advisories does WhiteHat NG publish?

WhiteHat NG publishes four severity levels of security advisories: Critical (immediate action required), High (significant risk), Medium (moderate risk), and Low (minimal risk). Advisories cover topics including software vulnerabilities, malware campaigns, phishing attacks, data breaches, and emerging cyber threats affecting Nigeria. All advisories are available via web and RSS feed at whitehat.ng/advisories.

Is WhiteHat NG affiliated with the Nigerian government?

WhiteHat NG operates as an independent, community-driven cybersecurity organization. While it collaborates with government agencies and private sector partners on security matters, it maintains independence to serve as a trusted neutral party for vulnerability disclosure and security coordination. This independence allows WhiteHat NG to advocate for both security researchers and affected organizations.

How can organizations partner with WhiteHat NG?

Organizations can partner with WhiteHat NG through several programs: becoming an information sharing partner for threat intelligence, participating in the Vulnerability Disclosure Program as a receiving organization, sponsoring cybersecurity awareness initiatives, or contributing to advisory development. Contact partnerships@whitehat.ng or visit the About page for more information on collaboration opportunities.

Alert: The Rise of Fake Advertisements Targeting Vulnerable Users on Facebook

Overview

We have observed a troubling increase in fake advertisements aimed at vulnerable users on Facebook. These threat groups are leveraging deceptive tactics, such as promoting fake welfare packages and government aid programs.

Evidence of Fraudulent Advertisements

This advertisement impersonates a government welfare program to collect personal information.

Another example showing how scammers use official-looking graphics to deceive users.

Scam Characteristics

Common Themes

Fake government welfare programs
Non-existent grants and loans
Fraudulent job opportunities
Fake investment schemes

Target Demographics

Low-income individuals
Job seekers
Elderly users
Rural communities with limited digital literacy

How the Scam Operates

Ad Creation: Professional-looking ads impersonating government agencies
Trust Building: Use of official logos, colors, and language
Data Harvesting: Collection of personal information through fake forms
Fee Extraction: Requests for "processing fees" or "registration charges"
Secondary Fraud: Harvested data used for identity theft

Red Flags

Ads requesting personal information or money
Unofficial URLs or pages
Grammar and spelling errors
Pressure to act immediately
Requests for bank details or BVN
Too-good-to-be-true offers

Recommendations

For Users

Verify all government programs through official channels
Never pay fees for government benefits
Report suspicious ads to Facebook
Don't click on unsolicited links
Educate family members, especially elderly relatives

For Platform Administrators

Strengthen ad verification processes
Quick takedown of reported fraudulent ads
User education initiatives
Collaboration with government agencies

Reporting

Report fake ads to:

Facebook's ad reporting system
NITDA
WhiteHat NG

WhiteHat NG Consumer Alert